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Homework Statement
What is meant by the term degenerate when referring to wave function energy states? Do the wavefunctions for degenerate states necessarily look the same? Explain.
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
Degeneracy, in terms of wave function energy states, describes quantum states that occupy the same energy level . All orbitals of one shell have the same energy, meaning that they require the same energy to achieve this energy level. An example of this is in the hydrogen atom where the orbitals of its shell all have the same energy. This is likewise true for all one-electron ions such as He+ and C5+. Quantum numbers add up to the same energy